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   Dementia Friends is a global movement that is changing the way people think, act and talk about dementia. Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, the Dementia Friends Initiative is underway in Minnesota and across the United States. By helping everyone in a community understand what dementia is and how it affects families, each of us can make a difference for people touched by dementia.

   You can become a Dementia Friend by attending a one-hour informational session on Monday, June 24, 2024 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the Hub in Hackensack to learn about this worldwide movement, about living with dementia, and about the simple things you can do to support someone living with the disease in your home, your business or your community.

   The one-hour session is a discussion led by a Dementia Friends Champion. It is not a training session. You’ll learn what dementia is, what it’s like to live with the disease, and some tips for communicating with people who have dementia. Everyone who attends is asked to turn their new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone living in your community. The action can be as big or as small as you choose – every action counts!

   You don’t need to be a dementia expert or know someone with dementia to become a Dementia Friend. After you attend the session, you decide about becoming a Dementia Friend; it’s your choice.

   And if you are interested in doing more, a Dementia Friends Champion Training will be held from 3:00-4:00 p.m. following the informational session. Join a growing movement of people like you who are helping fellow community members living with dementia. A little support can make a big difference in their lives.

   The Dementia Friends sessions are sponsored by the Central Minnesota Council on Aging and Faith in Action for Cass County. You can learn more about Dementia Friends and register for the event by calling Faith in Action for Cass County at 218-675-5435 or visiting www.faithinactioncass.com.

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